History of Yu-Ai Kai

Roots (1970-1973):

Students and local members of “Asians for Community Action” (ACA), concerned about Asian American issues, worked with Japantown organizations and businesses on a community-wide Mochitsuki event to raise funds, and created a temporary Japanese American Senior Center at the SJ JACL’s Issei Memorial Building. Students and community volunteers organized social activities for Japanese American seniors living in Japantown, including crafts classes, birthday parties, movies, and visits to elderly in care facilities.

Founding (1974):

After ACA dissolved in September of 1973, two former members, Dan Kubo and Chris Yasuda worked with Santa Clara County social worker Clara Abe to bring together 19 Japanese American community religious, social, and business organizations to establish the “Japanese American Community Senior Services of San Jose” as a permanent senior center in April 1974, using the funds raised through the ACA Mochitsuki fundraisers as seed money. Later, the name, “Yu-Ai Kai,” meaning organization of friendship and love, was adopted as its Japanese name. Yu-Ai Kai achieved Federal tax exempt non-profit status in 1978.

Growing Programs, Services & Fundraising Events (1977-Today):

  • Staffing grew from 1 paid staff in 1977 to 39 current full- and part-time employees.

  • Senior Nutrition Program was established at Wesley United Methodist Church in 1978, serving 40 hot lunches a day. The program now serves 130 cooked-on-site meals a day.

  • Community-based Fundraisers were held by multi-generational volunteer groups, including Friends of Yu-Ai Kai Car Dinners, annual Fashion Shows, Golf Tournaments, Annual Runs, and the recent Curry Cook-off.

  • Senior Volunteers began raising funds for Yu-Ai Kai by selling rolls of newsprint to florists/nurseries, sorting and selling recyclables, and selling crafts at community events.

  • Adult Day Care/Senior Day Services began in 1984, providing social/recreational activities for our most vulnerable seniors to counter the health risks of isolation, plus counseling and support services for caregivers and families.

  • Community Service - In 1985 Yu-Ai Kai began distributing food to local neighborhood elderly and low-income families through the Santa Clara County Brown Bag Program.

A Permanent Home (1988-1993):

After many years of utilizing space at the Issei Memorial Building, Fuji Towers, Wesley United Methodist Church, and San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, Yu-Ai Kai undertook a major building campaign to consolidate services into a permanent site in Japantown. Construction began in 1991 and the new facility opened in March 1993.

Healthy Aging Initiative - HAI (2008-2019):

Yu-Ai Kai leased the site of the SJ Boys and Girls Club from the City of San Jose in 2008. After a 2 year renovation, the Dr. James Akiyama Wellness Center opened in October 2010. This site houses HAI programs aimed at helping seniors, neighbors and community members learn and practice healthy living habits, and take part in cultural and educational activities.

COVID19 Shut-down (2020-2023):

On-site programming shut down in March 2020. To counter the impacts of the pandemic on our community, Yu-Ai Kai pivoted to take-out nutrition meals, online programs & events, wellness check calls and social services support. Yu-Ai Kai also partnered with and supported local restaurants through drive-through food fundraisers, and worked with the Japantown Prepared Safety Patrols to help ensure the safety of senior community members. Forgivable government loans were critical in getting through this crisis.

The Future Beyond 50 (2024):

Transitioning to a post-pandemic New Normal still poses challenges, but also opportunities. Hybrid/remote options expanded our geographical reach, and are now part of numerous offerings. As Yu-Ai Kai continues to build our support infrastructure and services to meet the needs of the future, your ideas and involvement are invaluable to our success.

Joining the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition (2025):

Yu-Ai Kai’s service to our community is deeply rooted in its history of caring for the health and well-being of our senior population. In the spirit of community service, empowering others and embracing the Japanese American experience as emboldened in its mission, grassroots beginnings and namesake “organization of friendship and love,” Yu-Ai Kai supports the NNEC’s efforts to repeal the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). As part of the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition, we join other organizations and individuals in the Japantown community to work together to sponsor public education about the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and pass the “Neighbors Not Enemies Act” to repeal and ensure that the AEA can never be used against immigrant communities again. Full statement by Yu-Ai Kai